"Get out!" Alexander shouted, his voice echoing across the room.
Lydia's smile faded. Her body froze. Her hands dropped to her sides.
"Didn't I warn you never to step foot in my house again?" Alexander barked.
The room went quiet. No one spoke. The cheerful sounds from breakfast disappeared like they never existed.
Lydia's voice came out soft, full of sadness. "I… I only came to visit," she said. "Because I missed you all."
"I don't care!" Alexander snapped. His eyes were cold. "I told you—never appear here again! This is my last warning. Under no circumstances should you come into this house again or try to contact any of my children or any member of this household."
He pointed at her. "This is the last time I will say it, Lydia."
Everyone was still.
No one moved. Even Pyotr, who had been laughing with Ivan just minutes ago, lowered his eyes. Elena stepped forward slowly.
"Father…" she said carefully. "How can you say that? Lydia is our family."
